Removable suction assembly for medical handpieces

ABSTRACT

A system and method for more efficient cleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to a first suction passageway and a second suction passageway for cleaning purposes. The valve assembly has a protrusion that engages with a handpiece to secure the assembly to the handpiece. The protrusion of the valve assembly may also be retracted into the valve assembly to allow the valve assembly to disengage the handpiece thereby allowing the valve assembly to be removed from the handpiece. The first suction passageway may also be removable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/783,417, filed on May 5, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 12/561,866, filed on Sep. 17, 2009, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods related to medicalhandpieces having suction passageways, and to rotating or other movingelements driven by a motor within the handpiece.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Powered handpieces are commonly used in many medical specialties todrive surgical blades for performing various diverse cutting functionsincluding resection, comminution, dissection, debridement, shaving,drilling, pulverizing and shaping of anatomical tissue. In arthroscopicsurgery, powered or motorized handpieces and systems have been proposedas illustrated by the ADAPTEUR™ POWER (APSII) system of Arthrex, Inc.Naples, Fla.; Stryker CORE SHAVER SYSTEM of Stryker Endoscopy; and theADVANTAGE System of Linvatec, Incorporated, Largo, Fla.

Conventional powered handpieces are typically all metal and reusable indesign with permanently installed motors. Conventional poweredhandpieces generally use suction to evacuate anatomical tissue cut orexcised by the blades or burrs. Powered handpieces currently in usegenerally force the excised anatomical tissue to follow a suction pathwhich passes through the handpiece itself Such handpieces are typicallydecontaminated and sterilized for reuse by steam autoclave and/orsoaking in a disinfectant solution. The dissected tissue travels throughportions of the suction passageways which reside within the handpiece.As a result, it is sometimes difficult to access the entire suctionpassageway during the cleaning and sterilization process to effectivelyremove tissue debris from within the suction passageways of thehandpiece. Tissue debris left within the handpiece may result incontamination during the next surgical use of the handpiece.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for more efficientcleaning and sterilizing surgical handpieces by using a removable valveassembly. The valve assembly is removably attached to a surgicalhandpiece and connects a first suction passageway to a second suctionpassageway. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to thefirst and second suction passageways for cleaning purposes. At least oneof the first or second suction passageways may also be removable.

In accordance with the present invention, a surgical handpiece isprovided which includes a first suction passageway, a second suctionpassageway and a removable valve assembly which connects the firstsuction passageway to the second suction passageway when the valve is inan open position. The valve assembly includes a protrusion. Theprotrusion engages the handpiece to secure the valve assembly to thehandpiece. The protrusion disengages the valve assembly from thehandpiece by retracting away from the handpiece, and a portion of theprotrusion enters the valve assembly when the protrusion retracts awayfrom the handpiece. A spring can be used to cause the protrusion toengage with the handpiece. The part of the protrusion that engages withthe handpiece may have a spherical shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other aspects of this disclosure are describedin detail below in connection with the accompanying drawing figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered handpiece according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the powered handpiece of FIG. 1 (and with asurgical instrument attached to the powered handpiece);

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the powered handpiece of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the powered handpiece/surgical instrumentof FIG. 2, with the suction valve assembly in the open position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofa powered handpiece of the present invention, having pushbutton controlsand an internal suction passageway;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view from the proximal end of thepowered handpiece of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the handpiece in FIG. 5 (with asurgical instrument attached to the powered handpiece), and with thevalve assembly in an open position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the handpiece of FIG. 5 (with asurgical instrument attached to the powered handpiece), and with thesuction valve assembly in a closed position;

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of an embodiment of theremovable suction valve assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the removable suction valveassembly of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a handpiece havinga removable collet with a suction valve;

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly;

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly;

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly;

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly;

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly;

FIG. 18 illustrates a removable suction valve assembly within ahandpiece; and

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the removable suction valveassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides systems and methods for more efficientcleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removablevalve assembly. The valve assembly is removably attached to a surgicalhandpiece and connects a first suction passageway to a second suctionpassageway. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to thefirst and second suction passageways for cleaning purposes. At least oneof the first or second suction passageways may also be removable.

The present invention also provides methods for efficient cleaning andsterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly.According to an exemplary embodiment only, the method of the presentinvention comprises the steps of: (i) providing a surgical handpiecewith a removable valve assembly connecting a first suction/aspirationpassageway and a second suction/aspiration passageway in the proximityof a surgical site; (ii) conducting at least one surgical procedureinvolving removal of anatomical tissue from the surgical site; (iii)removing the valve assembly; and (iv) cleaning a portion of the firstand second suction/aspiration passageways that were previouslyinaccessible, to remove tissue debris from the at least one of the firstand second suction/aspiration passageways.

Referring now to the drawings, where like elements are designated bylike reference numerals, FIGS. 1-12 illustrate various structuralelements of handpiece 100 of the present invention provided with valveassembly 200 and operatively connected to a surgical instrument 300. Inan exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, handpiece 100 is amotorized, reusable surgical handpiece 100 (FIG. 1) configured tooperate a variety of disposable (or reusable) surgical instruments. Thehandpiece 100 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a housing105. At its distal end, the handpiece 100 includes a cylindrical bore110 for attachment of a surgical instrument. Located within the housing105, a drive shaft 115 is coupled to a motor 120 also positioned withinthe handpiece 100. The handpiece may include a controlling means such aspushbuttons 125 and 135 or a foot control assembly, for example, thatproduces signals for use in controlling the motor.

The handpiece 100 is fully autoclavable. The handpiece 100 is preferablymade of durable, medically acceptable materials, such as metal orplastic, including stainless steel, hard coat anodized aluminum,titanium, Ultem, PEEK, or Radel, capable of being sterilized to medicalstandards, such as by steam or flash autoclaving, gas sterilizationand/or soaking in a disinfectant solution.

The handpiece 100 is employed in a surgical system that includes thehandpiece, a console, a surgical instrument 300 (FIG. 2) or a set ofsurgical instruments, and optionally a foot control assembly. Aprocessor positioned within the console controls the operating speed anddirection of the motor of the handpiece 100. This, in turn, controls theoperating speed and direction of the surgical instrument 300. Forexample, when the surgical instrument 300 includes an active portion 305(such as a cutting blade or an abrading burr) that rotates about thelongitudinal axis of the handpiece 100, the processor controls thedirection and speed at which the active portion 305 rotates.

The processor controls the motor 120 in response to signals from thepushbuttons 125 and 135, the console, and/or the foot control assembly.The handpiece 100 is connected to the console by a cable that isattached to the proximal end of the handpiece.

A surgical instrument such as a shaver includes a drive shaft having anopening that permits material drawn through the inner tube of thesurgical instrument to pass into the suction/aspiration passageway 230of the handpiece 100. The suction/aspiration passageway 230 ends at barbconnection 250 at the proximal end of the handpiece. During use, thebarb connection 250 is connected to a source of suction (not shown). Thehandpiece 100 also includes a valve assembly 200 that controls flowthrough the suction/aspiration passageway 230. As shown in FIGS. 1 and2, the valve assembly 200 is positioned on the handpiece near the distalend. In the open position, the valve assembly 200 allows fluid andmaterial such as tissue debris to flow from the surgical instrument 300through suction/aspiration passageway 275 created within bore 110 whenthe surgical instrument 300 is in place and the suction/aspirationpassageway 230 of the handpiece 100. In the closed position, the valveassembly 200 stops the flow through the suction/aspiration passageway230 and suction/aspiration passageway 275 from the surgical instrumentthrough the handpiece.

At the end of a surgical procedure, the surgical instrument 300 (FIG. 2)is removed from the handpiece 100. The handpiece 100 is cleaned andsterilized for reuse. Tissue debris may be trapped along portions of thesuction/aspiration passageways 275, 230. Accessing the entiresuction/aspiration passageway to remove all tissue debris can bedifficult. In the current invention, and as detailed in FIG. 3, forexample, the valve assembly 200 is removable from the handpiece 100 andmay also be disposable. By making the valve assembly 200 removable, itis possible to remove the portion of the suction/aspiration passagewaythat tends to accumulate the most tissue debris for thorough cleaning ordisposal and replacement with a clean valve assembly. It also providesaccess to the inner, more remote portions of the suction/aspirationpassageway that previously were either difficult to access orinaccessible. Removing the valve assembly 200 allows for direct accessto suction/aspiration passageway 230 and opening 270 within thehandpiece leading to bore 110 and suction/aspiration passageway 275. Abrush, other cleaning instrument, or flushing instrument can be usedthrough opening 270 to clean the suction/aspiration passageway 275within bore 110 or through suction/aspiration passageway 230 and removeany remaining debris.

Details of the valve assembly 200 are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.Body 205 of the valve assembly 200 has a lever 210 for opening andclosing the barrel/valve 215 to allow or prevent flow through thesuction/aspiration passageway 230 of the handpiece 100. Body 205 has anopening 213 (FIG. 10) for communicating with the suction/aspirationpassageway 275 within bore 110 leading from the surgical instrument.Body 205 also has an opening 225 (FIG. 9) communicating with thesuction/aspiration passageway 230 leading from the handpiece. Body 205is removable from the handpiece 100 allowing access to portions of thesuction/aspiration passageway. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.1 and 3, valve assembly 200 may slidingly engage the handpiece in aunidirectional manner having stops 207 to prevent the valve assemblyfrom sliding completely out of the handpiece. In an alternateembodiment, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the valve assembly may be removablefrom the handpiece using a snap-fit connection with push-in tabs 209.The valve assembly may be removable in any number of ways known to oneskilled in the art including a twist-in fashion. The valve assembly maybe made from plastic or metal materials, such as stainless steel,aluminum or injection moldable materials like polycarbonate, ultem,PEEK, Radel or ABS.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 300 is illustrated in FIG. 13. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 300 includes handle 310, valve 315, andbody 320. The valve assembly 300 further includes securing system 330that includes pin knob 331, pin shaft 332, pin spring 334, pin notch336, protrusion pin 340, protrusion spring 342, protrusion 344, andprotrusion plate 346.

Valve 315 has a cylindrical shape and a circular opening 317 thatextends through valve 315. Valve 315 is attached to body 320, which isattached to handle 310. As a result, when handle 310 is moved it rotatesvalve 315. When valve assembly 300 is attached to handpiece 800 (FIG.18), valve 315 may be rotated so that opening 317 is aligned withsuction passageways of handpiece 800, thereby connecting and allowingmatter to pass from one suction passageway to another. Valve 315 mayalso be rotated so that opening 317 is not aligned with suctionpassageways of handpiece 800, thereby disconnecting the suctionpassageways from each other.

Valve assembly 300 may be placed within a cavity in handpiece 800. Tosecure valve assembly 300 within the cavity, protrusion 344 engages withhandpiece 800. Protrusion 344 may be extended and retracted to allowprotrusion 344 to engage and disengage handpiece 800. This allows valveassembly 300 to be secured to handpiece 800 and to be subsequentlyremoved from the cavity of handpiece 800. Protrusion 344 engages anddisengages handpiece 800 using securing system 330.

Securing system 330 includes pin knob 331 that is coupled to pin shaft332 and pin spring 334. Pin spring 334 pushes pin shaft 332 and pin knob331 away from the valve 315 and keeps pin notch 336 from the center ofbody 320. A force may be applied to pin knob 331, depressing pin knob331 toward body 320. This causes pin shaft 332 to shift, therebyshifting pin notch 336 into the center of body 320 and compressing pinspring 334. When pin notch 336 is in the center of body 320, it alignswith protrusion pin 340. Protrusion spring 342 causes protrusion pin 340to shift into pin notch 336. As protrusion pin 340 shifts into pin notch336, protrusion 344 retracts into body 320. Protrusion plate 346functions to retain protrusion 344, protrusion spring 342, andprotrusion pin 340 within body 320.

With protrusion 344 retracted, valve assembly 300 disengages handpiece800 so that valve assembly 300 may be removed from the cavity ofhandpiece 800. If force is no longer applied to pin knob 331, pin spring334 shifts pin notch 336 away from the center of body 320. This causesprotrusion pin 340 to shift and compress protrusion spring 342. Asprotrusion spring 342 compresses, it extends protrusion 344 away frombody 320. To reinstall valve assembly 300 into the cavity of handpiece800, pin knob 331 is depressed, causing protrusion 344 to retract withinbody 320 and allowing valve assembly 300 to be installed.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 400 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 400 includes handle 410, valve 415, andbody 420. The valve assembly 400 further includes securing system 430that includes pin knob 431, pin shaft 432, pin notch 436, protrusion pin440, protrusion spring 442, protrusion 444, and protrusion plate 446.

Valve 415 has a cylindrical shape and a circular opening that extendsthrough valve 415 and functions similar to valve 315. Valve assembly 400may be placed within a cavity in handpiece 800. To secure valve assembly400 within the cavity, protrusion 444 engages with handpiece 800.Protrusion 444 may be advanced and retracted to allow protrusion 444 torespectively engage and disengage handpiece 800. This allows valveassembly 400 to be secured to handpiece 800 and to be subsequentlyremoved from the cavity of handpiece 800. Protrusion 444 engages anddisengages handpiece 800 using securing system 430.

Securing system 430 includes pin knob 431 that is coupled to pin shaft432 that has pin notch 436. Pin knob 431 may be rotated allowingprotrusion pin 440 to shift into pin notch 436. Protrusion spring 442causes protrusion pin 440 to shift into pin notch 436. As protrusion pin440 shifts into pin notch 436, it retracts protrusion 444 into body 420.Protrusion plate 446 functions to retain protrusion 444, protrusionspring 442, and protrusion pin 440 within body 420.

With protrusion pin 444 retracted, valve assembly 400 disengageshandpiece 800 so that valve assembly 400 may be removed from the cavityof handpiece 800. To reinstall valve assembly 400 into the cavity ofhandpiece 800, pin knob 431 is turned causing protrusion 444 to retractwithin body 420 and allowing valve assembly 400 to be installed. Oncevalve assembly 400 is installed within handpiece 800, pin knob 431 isrotated causing protrusion 444 to extend away from body 420 and engagehandpiece 800, thereby securing valve assembly 400 to handpiece 800.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 500 is illustrated in FIG. 15. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 500 includes handle 510, valve 515, body520, protrusion shaft 522, and pin shaft 524. Pin shaft 524 intersectsprotrusion shaft 522 at approximately a right angle. Valve assembly 500further includes securing system 530 that includes pin 532, retainingpin 558, protrusion spring 556, and protrusion pin 550. Protrusion pin550 has protrusion pinhead 554 at one end, pinhead 554 having a largercircumference than the remainder of pin 550.

Valve 515 has a cylindrical shape and a circular opening that extendsthrough valve 515 and functions similar to valve 315. Valve assembly 500may be placed within a cavity in handpiece 800. To secure valve assembly500 within the cavity, protrusion pin 550 engages with handpiece 800.Protrusion pin 550 may be extended and retracted to allow valve assembly500 to be secured to handpiece 800 and to be subsequently removed fromthe cavity of handpiece 800. In contrast to other embodiments, valveassembly 500 may only be used once and there are no parts that may beremoved.

Securing system 530 includes protrusion pin 550 and protrusion spring556 located in protrusion shaft 522. Protrusion shaft 522 has oneopening that is large enough to allow protrusion spring 556 andprotrusion pin 550 to enter shaft 522. To retain spring 556 and pin 550within shaft 522, retaining pin 558 is placed in the end of shaft 522.The other opening of shaft 522 is large enough to allow part ofprotrusion pin 550 to pass but not protrusion spring 556, nor protrusionpinhead 554. In protrusion shaft 522, protrusion pin 550 passes throughprotrusion spring 556 and protrusion spring 556 engages with protrusionpinhead 554. As a result, protrusion spring 556 keeps protrusion pin 550within protrusion shaft 522.

To overcome the force of protrusion spring 556 and to shift protrusionpin 550 and cause protrusion pin 550 to extend away from body 530, pin532 is pushed into pin shaft 524. As pin 532 is pushed into pin shaft524, pin 532 engages and displaces pinhead 554 and shifts pin head 554causing protrusion pin 550 to extend away from body 520. As protrusionpin 550 extends away from body 520 it may engage with handpiece 800,thereby securing valve assembly 500 to handpiece 800. To retractprotrusion pin 550, pin 532 is further pushed into pin shaft 524. As pin532 disengages pinhead 554, spring 556 retracts protrusion pin 550 intobody 520. As a result, protrusion pin 550 may disengage handpiece 800and free valve assembly 500 from handpiece 800. However, as a result,pin 532 is located within valve assembly 500 and valve assembly 500 maynot be used again.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 600 is illustrated in FIG. 16. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 600 includes handle 610, valve 615, body620, and shaft 622. Valve assembly 600 further includes securing system630 that includes protrusion pin 632, protrusion spring 636, andretaining pin 638. Protrusion pin 632 has protrusion pin body 633 andprotrusion pinhead 634, pinhead 634 having a larger circumference thanpin body 633. Further, an end of pin body 633 may have a sphericalshape.

Valve 615 has a cylindrical shape and a circular opening that extendsthrough valve 615 and functions similar to valve 315. Valve assembly 600may be placed within a cavity in handpiece 800. To secure valve assembly600 within the cavity, protrusion pin 632 engages with handpiece 800.Protrusion pin 632 may be extended and retracted to allow protrusion 632to engage and disengage handpiece 800. This allows valve assembly 600 tobe secured to handpiece 800 and to be subsequently removed from thecavity of handpiece 800. Protrusion pin 632 engages and disengageshandpiece 800 using securing system 630.

Securing system 630 includes protrusion pin 632 and protrusion spring636 located in protrusion shaft 622. Protrusion shaft 622 has oneopening that is large enough to allow protrusion spring 636 andprotrusion pin 632 to enter shaft 622. To retain spring 636 and pin 632within shaft 622, retaining pin 638 is placed in the end of shaft 622.The other opening of shaft 622 is large enough to allow pin body 633 topass but not pin head 634. In protrusion shaft 622, protrusion spring636 is placed between protrusion pin 632 and retaining pin 638. Spring636 applies a constant force to protrusion pinhead 634 causingprotrusion pin body 633 to extend out of shaft 622 and away from body620. Protrusion pin 632 does not completely exit shaft 622 since theopening of shaft 622 through which protrusion pin body 633 extends istoo narrow to allow protrusion pinhead 634 to pass. Protrusion pin body633 may be retracted into body 620 by applying a force to protrusion pin632 sufficient to compress spring 636.

With protrusion pin body 633 extended it may engage with handpiece 800,thereby securing valve assembly 600 to handpiece 800. To disengage valveassembly 600 from handpiece 800, a force needs to be applied toprotrusion pin body 633 to cause pin body 633 to retract into body 620.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 700 is illustrated in FIG. 17. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 700 includes valve 715 and body 720.Valve assembly 700 further includes securing system 730 that includesprotrusion pin 732 and plunger 734. An end of pin 732 may have aspherical shape.

Valve 715 has a cylindrical shape and a circular opening that extendsthrough valve 715 and functions similar to valve 315. Valve assembly 700may be placed within a cavity in handpiece 800. To secure valve assembly700 within the cavity, protrusion pin 732 engages with handpiece 800.Protrusion pin 732 may be extended and retracted to allow protrusion pin732 to engage and disengage handpiece 800. This allows valve assembly700 to be secured to handpiece 800 and to be subsequently removed fromthe cavity of handpiece 800. Protrusion pin 732 engages and disengageshandpiece 800 using securing system 730.

Securing system 730 includes protrusion pin 732 and plunger 734 locatedwithin body 720. Plunger 734 is a tube with a spring that pushesprotrusion pin 732 away from body 720. Pin 732 may be pushed in and outof body 720 in a manner similar to that shown with regard to valveassembly 600.

With protrusion pin 732 extended it may engage with handpiece 800,thereby securing valve assembly 700 to handpiece 800. To disengage valveassembly 700 from handpiece 800, a force needs to be applied toprotrusion pin 732 to cause pin 732 to retract into body 720.

FIG. 18 shows valve assembly 700 within a cavity of handpiece 800. Valveassembly 700 may be removed by pushing or pulling valve assembly 700away from handpiece side 802. The force applied to valve assembly 700may be approximately normal to the force of the spring in plunger 734and may be applied by a human hand. As the force is applied it may causea rounded tip of pin 732 to come into contact with handpiece 800.Handpiece 800 may apply a force on pin 732 to overcome the force of thespring in plunger 734 and pin 732 may retract into body 720. In thismanner, pin 732 disengages handpiece 800 so that valve assembly 700 maybe removed from handpiece 800.

Another embodiment of valve assembly 900 is illustrated in FIG. 19. Inthis embodiment, valve assembly 900 includes handle 910, valve 915, body920, and securing system 930.

Handle 910, valve 915, and body 920 form a unitary structure with bothhandle 910 and valve 915 extending away from body 920 in the samedirection. Handle 910, valve 915, and body 920 may be integrally formedor handle 910 and valve 915 may be formed separately and then connectedto body 920. Valve 915 has a cylindrically shaped body 916 with flatends and a circular shaft or opening 917 that extends latitudinallythrough valve body 916 and runs parallel to the flat ends of valve body916.

Securing system 930 is located in body 920 and includes action pin 932,pin spring 934, protrusion pin 940, and protrusion spring 944. Actionpin 932 has a cylindrically shaped shaft with a varying diameter thatextends latitudinally at least partially through body 920 in a directionperpendicular to opening 917 and is able to move latitudinally withinbody 920. Action pin 932 also includes a circular pressing end 933distal to valve 915 that extends away from body 920. Action pin 932further includes an action end proximal to valve 915 that interacts withpin spring 934. Pin spring 934 is coupled between the action end of pin932 and valve 915 and situated to resist lateral movement of action pin932 toward valve 915.

Protrusion pin 940 includes a frustoconical shaped head 941 and a barshaped shaft 942 with a rectangular cross-section that is connected toan end of head 941 with the largest diameter. Head 941 of protrusion pin940 is housed within a pin tunnel 946 in body 920 with an end of head941 with the smaller diameter in contact with the shaft of action pin932. Protrusion spring 944 is also housed within pin tunnel 946 andcontacts the end of protrusion pin 940 with the larger diameter and theend of the tunnel 946 that is distal to action pin 932. Shaft 942 ofprotrusion pin 940 runs through the middle of protrusion spring 944 andacts to force protrusion pin 940 toward action pin 932. Shaft opening948 extends from pin tunnel 946 to the outer surface of body 920 and issized to allow shaft 942 to exit body 920 but to retain protrusion head941 and protrusion spring 944 within body 920.

Securing system 930 operates to move protrusion shaft 942 out of or intobody 920. In a secured state, pin spring 934 pushes action pin 932 awayfrom valve 915 so that pressing end 933 extends away from body 920. Inthis state, action pin 932 applies a force to protrusion pin 440 toforce protrusion shaft 442 outside of body 920. When a depressing force,stronger than a force exerted by pin spring 934, pushes pressing end 933toward body 920, action pin 932 shifts toward valve 915. As action pin932 shifts toward valve 915, the diameter of action pin 932 in contactwith protrusion head 941 decreases. As a result, protrusion spring 944forces protrusion 940 further into body 920 and draws protrusion shaft942 into body 920. In this position, securing system 930 is in anunsecured state. Once the depressing force is no longer applied toaction pin 932, pin spring 934 shifts action pin 932 back to itsoriginal position. As action pin 932 shifts back, the diameter of theshaft of action pin 932 in contact with protrusion head 941 increases,thereby shifting protrusion pin 940 out of body 920 and pushingprotrusion shaft 942 back out of body 920. The securing system 930thereby returns to the securing state. The force required to causesecuring system 930 to return to the unsecured state should not be morethan could be applied by a surgeon.

In use, valve assembly 900 is coupled to handpiece 800. Securing system930 is used to secure valve assembly 900 to handpiece 800. Inparticular, protrusion end 942 interacts with handpiece 800 to securevalve assembly 900 to handpiece 800. In the secured state, protrusionend 942 is extended and interacts with valve assembly 900. In theunsecured state, protrusion end 942 is retracted and valve assembly 900may be installed on or removed from the handpiece 800.

When valve assembly 900 is secured to handpiece 800, valve 915 is usedto control suction produced by handpiece 800 by connecting ordisconnecting suction passageways in handpiece 800. For example, valve915 may be rotated so that opening 917 is aligned with suctionpassageways of handpiece 800, thereby connecting the suction passagewaystogether and allowing suction of material through handpiece 800. Valve915 may also be rotated so that opening 917 is not aligned with thesuction passageways of handpiece 800, thereby disconnecting the suctionpassageways and eliminating suction through handpiece 800.

In addition to the valve assembly being removable, thesuction/aspiration passageway 230 could also be removable anddisposable. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the suction/aspiration passagewayis external to the handpiece and may be removable for cleaning of theremaining portions of the suction/aspiration passageway. Preferably, theremovable portion of the suction/aspiration passageway would beconnected to the valve assembly such that both the valve assembly andthe portion of the suction/aspiration passageway would be removable asone piece. The removable portion of the aspiration passageway may bemanufactured from plastic or metal materials such as stainless steel,aluminum, PEEK, radel, ultem.

In some models of handpieces, the suction/aspiration passageway is anintegral portion of the handpiece housing 105 as shown in FIGS. 5-8. Thesuction/aspiration passageway 230 is formed within the housing of thehandpiece, extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The removablevalve assembly 200 functions the same way to provide access to thesuction/aspiration passageway for cleaning.

In an alternate embodiment, the entire distal end of the handpiece maybe removable for cleaning. This embodiment would be more preferable inthe foot control handpiece as the electrical communication portionresides in the foot control rather than the handpiece itself. As shownin FIGS. 11 and 12, surgical handpiece 1000 includes a removable colletassembly 2000 having a suction valve assembly 2200, a housing 2105, asuction/aspiration passageway 2230 and a barb connector 2250. The colletassembly 2000 may be removable in any number of ways known to oneskilled in the art such as threading, snap fit, or quick connectcoupling. The suction valve assembly 2200 connects the firstsuction/aspiration passageway 2230 to the second suction/aspirationpassageway of the surgical instrument. The suction valve assembly 2200works the same as suction valve 200 to open and close thesuction/aspiration passageway. The removable collet 2000 may be disposedof after use to prevent any tissue debris from remaining within thehandpiece and a new clean collect may be provided for additional use ofthe handpiece. The first suction/aspiration passageway may also beremovable and disposable to prevent tissue debris from remaining duringadditional use of the handpiece.

The handpiece of the present invention may be used in many differentsurgical areas including, but not limited to, arthroscopy, laproscopy,maxillo-facial dental and cranial applications.

While the present invention is described herein with reference toillustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those havingordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided hereinwill recognize additional modifications, applications, embodiments andsubstitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by theforegoing description, but rather only by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A surgical handpiece, comprising: a firstsuction passageway; a second suction passageway; and a removable valveassembly for connecting or disconnecting the first suction passageway tothe second suction passageway, the valve assembly comprising aprotrusion for engaging the handpiece to secure the valve assembly tothe handpiece, the valve assembly further comprising a spring thatapplies a force to the protrusion to disengage the protrusion from thehandpiece, an action pin coupled to the protrusion and an action pinspring that interacts with the action pin, wherein the action pinextends perpendicular to the protrusion and applies a force to theprotrusion to overcome the force of the spring and engage the protrusionwith the handpiece, and wherein the action pin spring opposes movementof the action pin in a first direction.
 2. The surgical handpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the valve assembly and the first suction passageway areremovable from the handpiece.
 3. The surgical handpiece of claim 1,wherein the protrusion disengages the handpiece by retracting away fromthe handpiece.
 4. The surgical handpiece of claim 3, wherein a portionof the protrusion enters the valve assembly when the protrusion retractsaway from the handpiece.
 5. The surgical handpiece of claim 1, whereinthe action pin moves along an action pin movement axis that isperpendicular to an axis of movement of the protrusion.
 6. The surgicalhandpiece of claim 1, wherein movement of the action pin spring in thefirst direction disengages the protrusion with the handpiece.
 7. Thesurgical handpiece of claim 5, wherein a diameter of the action pinvaries along the action pin movement axis.
 8. The surgical handpiece ofclaim 1, wherein a part of the protrusion that engages with thehandpiece has a rectangular cross-section.
 9. The surgical handpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the valve assembly can rotate when secured to thehandpiece.
 10. The surgical handpiece of claim 9, wherein the valveassembly rotates between an open position connecting the first andsecond suction passageways and a closed position disconnecting the firstand second suction passageways.
 11. A surgical handpiece, comprising: ahousing with a cavity; a first suction passageway extending away fromthe cavity; a second suction passageway extending away from the cavity;and a removable valve assembly for connecting or disconnecting the firstsuction passageway to the second suction passageway, the valve assemblycomprising a protrusion, the protrusion engaging the handpiece to securethe valve assembly within the cavity, the valve assembly furthercomprising a spring that applies a force to the protrusion to disengagethe protrusion from the handpiece, an action pin coupled to theprotrusion and an action pin spring that interacts with the action pin,wherein the action pin extends perpendicular to the protrusion andapplies a force to the protrusion to overcome the force of the springand engage the protrusion with the handpiece, and wherein the action pinspring opposes movement of the action pin in a first direction.
 12. Thesurgical handpiece of claim 11, wherein the protrusion disengages thehandpiece by retracting away from the handpiece.
 13. The surgicalhandpiece of claim 12, wherein the valve assembly can rotate whensecured to the handpiece.
 14. The surgical handpiece of claim 13,wherein the valve assembly further comprises a body, the body having anopening that extends through the body.
 15. The surgical handpiece ofclaim 14, wherein in an open position the opening of the valve assemblyaligns with and connects the first and second suction passageways and ina closed position the opening of the valve assembly is not aligned withand disconnects the first and second suction passageways.
 16. A methodfor cleaning a surgical handpiece comprising: providing a removablevalve assembly for connecting or disconnecting a first suctionpassageway to a second suction passageway, the valve assembly comprisinga protrusion that engages the handpiece to secure the valve assembly tothe handpiece, wherein a spring applies a force to the protrusion todisengage the protrusion from the handpiece, and wherein the valveassembly further comprises an action pin coupled to the protrusion andan action pin spring that interacts with the action pin, wherein theaction pin extends perpendicular to the protrusion and applies a forceto the protrusion to overcome the force of the spring and engage theprotrusion with the handpiece, and wherein the action pin spring opposesmovement of the action pin in a first direction; removing the valveassembly by retracting the protrusion; and cleaning a portion of atleast the first and second suction passageways that was previouslyinaccessible.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising replacingthe valve assembly, wherein the valve assembly reengages the handpiece.18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of removing the valveassembly further comprises pressing the action pin coupled to theprotrusion to retract the protrusion so that the protrusion disengagesthe handpiece.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the action pin ispart of the valve assembly.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein aportion of the protrusion enters the valve assembly when the protrusionis retracted.
 21. The method of claim 16, further comprising disposingof the removable valve assembly.